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The NJ Turnpike Authority presented a plan that would rails tolls 50% next year--and then another 50% in 2012 and 11% in 2023, according to WCBS 2. Given the state's budget troubles, Governor Jon Corzine has been trying to increase the fare to more than $3 in 2014 and to $5.80 in a decade--to much public outcry--but this plan would see a $3 toll in 2023. Right now, the toll is $1.20 (average), and under the proposed plan, it would be $1.80 in 2011 and $2.70 in 2012). The NJTA's board said, "We believe increasing tolls, even minimally, is an action of last resort, not one of first choice," but there are many infrastructure projects, like maintaining the roads and bridges, that need funding.
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A toll increase is long over due. Of course, investing in better mass transit is also overdue.
I don't like it as much as higher gas taxes, but it's better than not having money to pay for things like mass transit investment as mentioned above.
This rate of increase is totally insane. If you think "the other guys" who actually travel the NJTpk will be the only ones who pay, you are sadly mistaken.
Long over due. And NOT ENOUGH.
$1.20? What's that from 1970? That's ridiculous.
I was amazed to see GS Parkway tolls only a dime or two higher than they were in 1986. It's clear NJ has the lowest tolls and lowest gas taxes in the nation.
And NJ is in dire need of transit investment.
As a former NJ resident... and a taxpayer...
I say NO MORE FEDERAL FUNDS for highways or mass transit to the state of NJ until the state residents start paying their fair share of user fees.
Gas Taxes to .25 per gallon.
Tolls to $3.50 avg.
Get over it.